Google Rolls Out AI Travel Tools in Search

Google announced a series of artificial intelligence enhancements to its Search platform on Monday, aimed at streamlining travel planning and booking directly within the interface. The updates, centered on AI Mode, introduce tools for creating custom itineraries, discovering affordable flights and expanding reservation capabilities, initially targeting users in the United States with broader global reach for some features.

The centerpiece is an expansion of the Canvas tool, which now supports travel planning in a side panel within AI Mode. Users can describe their trip preferences, such as a five-day family vacation to Austin focused on barbecue and live music, and select a "Create with Canvas" option. The AI then generates an interactive itinerary incorporating real-time data from Google Flights and Hotels, photos and reviews from Google Maps, and curated information from across the web. Suggestions include hotel comparisons based on pricing, amenities and proximity to activities, with options to refine plans through follow-up questions, like adjusting for better brunch spots or travel times. This feature is available on desktop for U.S. users enrolled in the AI Mode...